Flight prices continue to rise: holidaymakers have to dig deeper into their pockets!

Flight prices continue to rise: holidaymakers have to dig deeper into their pockets!

The aviation industry in Germany is facing ongoing challenges that will have a direct impact on ticket prices. The President of the Federal Association of German Airlines (BDF), Peter Gerber, announced that flight ticket prices will also rise next year. The reasons for this are complex. Rising state location costs, price increases for air traffic control, as well as security fees and airport fees contribute significantly to this development. Gerber emphasizes that it will definitely not be cheaper, but cannot specify how high the price increases will be. This leaves room for uncertainty in the market as airlines could be forced to operate unprofitable routes if price increases cannot be enforced.

In addition to the general increase in air ticket prices, data from the first half of 2025 showed that prices for international travel increased by an average of 3.8 percent compared to the previous year. Particularly noteworthy is the increase in prices for flights within Europe, which averages 7.7 percent. There was also an increase of 5.0 percent for German flights. In contrast, ticket prices for long-haul flights to North America have increased by 1.7 percent, underlining the complexity of current market conditions. In this context, it should be mentioned that trips to the USA continue to appear cheaper, although demand fell by 15 percent last year and connections to North America have already been reduced.

The situation of package tours

Contrary to the widespread belief that package tours are becoming less important, they continue to have a stable market share. Gerber emphasizes that package holidays still offer families security and that this form of travel should not be dismissed as “dead”. The average increase in prices for package holidays is 5.4 percent compared to the previous year. The price increases for trips to Turkey are particularly noticeable, reaching the highest at 10.1 percent. There was also an increase of 8.3 percent for trips to Egypt and 4.4 percent for the Spanish Canary Islands.

Although ticket prices are rising overall, there is also positive news for travelers: flights to South America, Africa, Asia and Australia have become cheaper, which is notable in this environment. However, the price development for package holidays in the Balearic Islands (Mallorca) is comparatively moderate with an increase of 1.9 percent, while domestic trips also became more expensive by 2.2 percent.

Drone security and airport security

Another aspect that Gerber addresses is the growing threat of drones, which can disrupt air traffic. In order to ensure security at airports, he is demanding clear regulations from the federal government for the shooting down of drones that endanger air traffic. The need is emphasized that the Federal Police at civilian airports and the Bundeswehr at military airports should have the authority to stop drones or, if necessary, shoot them down.

Gerber believes that new precautions for no-fly zones are necessary in order to allow drones to automatically land in these zones. In addition, clear registration and liability of buyers of drones is required. The recent drone sightings affecting airports such as Munich, the capital's BER airport and Frankfurt am Main underline the urgent need for effective measures to ensure aviation security.

Although the truncating challenges facing the aviation industry are driving up ticket prices, the connections within the industry also show that there is urgent need for action on many fronts. Airlines and political leadership therefore face crucial tasks to maintain competitiveness and safety.

For further information on the expected ticket price increases, we recommend the articles from Fulda info as well as from ZDF today.